Nsereko H Kawuma
Women’s football in Uganda continues to make impressive strides and a significant milestone was reached on Thursday, 22nd August 2024 when FUFA announced a groundbreaking partnership with Finance Trust Bank. This became the first ever corporate sponsorship deal exclusively for women’s football in Uganda.
During a ceremony held at the Finance Trust Bank Headquarters on Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, a sponsorship package worth two billion Ugandan shillings was officially unveiled. The announcement sparked celebrations among women’s football enthusiasts many of whom saw this as a beacon of hope and progress for the game.
However, beyond the generous financial support, this sponsorship brings with it even more impactful benefits. Finance Trust Bank is extending additional support to clubs, players and everyone associated with women’s football in Uganda opportunities that go beyond just money.
Speaking at one of the monthly awarding ceremonies, Percy Paul Lubega the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Finance Trust Bank shared a statement that stood out though it may have gone unnoticed by many who focused solely on the financial aspect.
In his words, delivered on behalf of the Bank, Percy revealed that Finance Trust Bank has opened its doors to offer internship and training opportunities to women footballers. Even more impressively, the bank is committed to employing these athletes after their academic journeys while still allowing them the flexibility to pursue their football careers.
This powerful commitment inspired me to put my thoughts to the keyboard. Believe it or not, this is a golden opportunity that female footballers must embrace. With top institutions of higher learning such as Makerere University, Uganda Christian University and Mutesa I Royal University (defunct team) already participating in women’s football, it’s time for officials from these clubs to actively engage the bank. They should initiate partnerships and formulate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to secure long term benefits for their players.
Additionally, Finance Trust Bank is offering free financial literacy programs to everyone involved in women’s football. They have also pledged to provide accessible financial support including simplified loan services for women’s football clubs and stakeholders.
In my view, these lesser publicized elements of the sponsorship are incredibly valuable and should be widely acknowledged. Stakeholders in women’s football need to look beyond just the financial package and recognize the full spectrum of support being offered.
My hope is that Finance Trust Bank remains committed to women’s football for the long haul because if they do, their impact will be deeply felt for generations to come.
